A global, needs-driven, patient-centered educational program

Device Rhythm Management
for Cardiac Therapy
in Heart Failure

Education on the role of cardiac rhythm
management devices (ICDs and CRT) for
patients with heart failure

Why

Heart Failure (HF) is a multi-faceted and life-threatening syndrome characterized by significant morbidity and mortality, poor functional capacity and quality of life, and high costs. HF affects more than 64 million people worldwide. Guidelines for the management of HF recommend cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices for patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

However, CRM devices are underutilized in clinical practice and their appropriate use is debated. The objective of DIRECT HF is to address these unmet needs.

How

DIRECT HF focuses on a pragmatic and actionable educational plan led by an international working group.

This plan includes:

An international needs assessment
An educational program with international and regional meetings to discuss and share best practices and research on the role of CRM devices – implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) – in the care of patients with HFrEF
Publications in peer-reviewed journals, guideline summaries and practical guidance to identify patients who are candidates for CRM device therapy.

What

The goal of the DIRECT HF initiative is to improve the management of HFrEF by promoting the optimal implementation of guideline-directed cardiac rhythm management device therapy (ICDs and CRT) for patients with heart failure. This translates into:

International surveys focusing on the patient’s journey and approach to CRM along with HCPs
Meetings to share best practices among healthcare teams
Educational webinars
Publication of a position paper on the role and optimal use of CRM devices in contemporary HF care.